Foot and Ankle Injuries in Professional Soccer Players: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Expectations

Abstract

Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world. It has undergone many changes in recent years, mainly because of increased physical demands, and this has led to an increased injury risk. Direct contact accounts for half of all injuries in both indoor and outdoor soccer and ankle sprains are the most common foot and ankle injury. There is a spectrum of foot and ankle injuries and their treatment should be individualized in these high-demand patients. An injury prevention program is also important and should the players, the trainer, responsible physician, and physical therapists.

Keywords: Indoor soccer; Injury prevention; Outdoor soccer; Soccer injuries; Sports rehabilitation.